Ryan Ray, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayMarch 23, 2016

U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller set of a chain reaction in Northwest Florida when he decided to retire from Congress last week, sending statehouse and local pols scrambling to advance in his wake. On Wednesday he made more waves, endorsing Neal Dunn in a three-way primary in the 2nd Congressional District. Miller lauded Dunn, a urological surgeon from Panama City […]

Ryan RayMarch 23, 2016

Republican Rebecca Negron became the first candidate in the race for Florida’s 18th Congressional District to qualify to appear on the ballot via petition Wednesday, securing the 2,298 required verified signatures in the Treasure Coast seat. Negron, a Martin County School Board member, said the milestone was a testament to her campaign’s vigor and momentum. “I am […]

Ryan RayMarch 21, 2016

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Former federal prosecutor Ken Sukhia will throw his hat into the race to replace U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham on Tuesday, according to a report by Sunshine State News. Sukhia was appointed U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida by former President George H.W. Bush, and represented both President George W. Bush during the 2000 Florida recount and later Ralph Nader as the Green […]

Ryan RayMarch 17, 2016

Republican Gov. Rick Scott made it official Thursday night, formally signing the $82.3 million budget presented to him earlier in the day by state lawmakers. He also made official his list of line-item vetoes announced Tuesday, excising about $256 million in member-sponsored funding from the budget he enacted into law. “I will be signing this budget into law […]

Ryan RayMarch 17, 2016

Former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin came out with an endorsement of former House Rep. Mike Clelland in his run for the open SD 13 seat on Thursday. Chapin, the first Orange mayor elected county-wide, trumpeted Clelland’s past experience in the Legislature and as a community leader in her endorsement of Clelland, a fellow Democrat. “I am endorsing Mike […]

Ryan RayMarch 17, 2016

Democratic candidate Sean Shaw said in a memo to supporters he’s “truly humbled” by early fundraising returns in his bid for an open HD 61 seat based in Tampa. “In just 72 hours, you’ve given more than $5,000,” said Shaw. “Because of your response, we’re already putting together our team and building the GOTV operation that will win here.” […]

Ryan RayMarch 16, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott announced the governor’s office would pitch in $50,000 in state funds to help with relief efforts in three Florida counties damaged by recent tornadoes. The money – administered through Volunteer Florida, the governor’s commission on volunteerism and service – will be matched by local authorities for a total of $100,000 overall for Escambia, Santa Rosa, […]

Ryan RayMarch 16, 2016

It’s already Wednesday, but that didn’t mean it was too late for Gov. Rick Scott to declare the week of March 14-18 Down Syndrome Awareness Week. Scott’s office declared the designation Wednesday afternoon, along with a formal proclamation with the force of law marking out this week as one in observance of the developmental disorder, which affects […]

Ryan RayMarch 16, 2016

Florida said hello to its new official state honey – tupelo, of course – when Gov. Rick Scott signed into law a bill to make myriad tweaks to the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on Wednesday. House Bill 7007, which originated in the House sponsored by Rep. Jake Raburn and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee, is […]

Ryan RayMarch 16, 2016

A pair of Sarasota legislative races saw major changes this past weekend. Rep. Ray Pilon decided to forgo a 2016 re-election bid for a fourth term in the House in favor of a Senate District 28 campaign, leaving his Democratic opponent Edward James running unopposed in a coastal swing seat. Pilon said Tuesday his decision came from the resolution […]

Ryan Ray
Golf ball and golf club in bag on green grass

Jeff Miller endorses Neal Dunn for Congress in CD-2

Rebecca Negron qualifies for CD 18 ballot by petition

Ken Sukhia to join GOP fray in eastern Panhandle CD 2 race

Rick Scott signs budget, officially issues $256 million in spending vetoes

Linda Chapin endorses Mike Clelland for Senate

Email Insights: Sean Shaw thanks supporters for early fundraising push

Rick Scott announces $100k in tornado disaster relief for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Charlotte

Rick Scott declares this week “Down Syndrome Awareness Week”

Rick Scott signs Ag Department changes into law

Ray Pilon jumps into Senate race; Edward James now unopposed in HD 72